Project description
Decoding the mechanical basis of gene regulation
Nucleosomes are the basic units of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins. Nucleosome positioning is a dynamic process driven by the interplay between DNA sequence, chromatin complexes, and other factors, influencing which regions of DNA are accessible for transcription. Emerging evidence indicates that this positioning also relies on the mechanical properties of the DNA at gene promoter regions. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MebaGINO project aims to investigate the biophysical mechanisms that govern nucleosome positioning, focusing on the chromatin remodelling INO80 enzyme. Researchers will utilise laboratory data to generate a biophysical model that can explain how mechanical cues control chromatin remodelling.
Objective
Recent breakthroughs found that mechanical features of gene promoters influence nucleosome positioning through ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes. This finding challenges classical models of DNA-sequence-dependent histone recruitment. While mechanisms for the translation of DNA’s physical parameters to nucleosome positions are debated, their experimental validation is still pending. MebaGINO aims to address this fundamental gap in knowledge. Taking advantage of recent advances in time-resolved CryoEM, I will answer the following research question:
What is the biophysical mechanism underlying the influence of DNA mechanics on nucleosome positioning by INO80?
I will use the INO80 chromatin remodeler as a model system to understand how nucleosomes are positioned adjacent to gene promoters featuring specific mechanical patterns. Firstly, I will interrogate how the nucleosome translocation process will be stalled through substitution of ATP with ATP-analogues on DNA with varying stiffness. From these experiments, I will obtain molecular structures via single-particle CryoEM. Next, I will obtain molecular structures from short-lived states using time-resolved CryoEM. For this, I will contribute to the development of an automated platform for CryoEM sample freezing which will be made available to the scientific community via EMBL's Electron Microscopy facility. Finally, I will build a biophysical model explaining the influence of DNA mechanics on INO80’s translocation process. Thus, I will provide novel views onto the mechanical basis of gene regulation which are relevant beyond fundamental research as for example during cancer development.
During this project, I will receive extensive training on cutting-edge structural biology instrumentation while contributing with my nanotechnology skills. Combined with my biophysics background, this fellowship will enable me to establish an interdisciplinary research group focused on structural biophysics.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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69117 Heidelberg
Germany
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